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Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is being linked with a return to Manchester United this summer according to the bookmakers.

Following a disappointing run at Euro 2016 in France this summer, the Spanish international is currently enjoying his holidays before reporting back to pre-season duty.

However, Ladbrokes, as noted by The Sun, have halved the odds on the central defender re-joining United ahead of the new campaign.

His odds have dropped from 16/1 to 8/1 as speculation continues to intensify over a return to Old Trafford, but it remains an unlikely prospect regardless.

Firstly, there is the factor of Jose Mourinho being at United, with the pair being bitter rivals when coming up against each other during their duels in La Liga between Barca and Real Madrid.

Naturally, there would have been an element of respect there too, but ultimately it would seem like a strange move to make from Pique’s perspective.

It would also be a strange move in that it would put him in direct competition with former boss Pep Guardiola who is now at Manchester City.

United’s bitter rivals are second favourites to land Pique, although the 29-year-old would surely take a reunion with his compatriot over a return to United.

There are arguments for both sides, and there is of course the obvious choice that he may well be focusing on continuing at the Nou Camp.

Nevertheless, Ladbrokes seem to believe that a return to England is in the offing, with United continuing their rebuild under Mourinho following the signings of Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan already this summer, with Pique seemingly drawn by the idea of returning to his former home.